🇹🇷TÜRKIYE

🇪🇸SPAIN (SCHENGEN)TR-ES

Do Türkiye passport holders need a visa to visit Spain (Schengen)?

Q: Does ETIAS apply to Turkish travellers?

No. ETIAS applies only to visa-exempt nationalities. Turkey is visa-required, so Turkish nationals continue to use the standard Schengen visa procedure, not ETIAS.

Q: How long can I stay on a Schengen tourist visa?

Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, subject to the duration printed on your visa.

Q: What is the cascade rule?

Since 15 July 2025, bona-fide Turkish travellers who correctly use earlier visas can progressively receive 1-year, then 3-year and 5-year multiple-entry visas.

Q: Where do I apply in Türkiye?

At the official Spain visa application centre run by BLS International in Istanbul or Ankara, where you also give biometrics.

Q: How much does it cost?

The adult consular fee is EUR 90, plus a BLS service fee of roughly EUR 30-40 and mandatory travel insurance.

Turkish ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Spain for tourism. ETIAS does not apply to Turkey. Apply in advance through the BLS centre in Istanbul or Ankara. Spain is a Schengen member, and Türkiye is not on the EU's visa-exempt list, so holders of an ordinary Turkish passport must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C / "uniform") visa before travelling for tourism. The visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area. Applications are lodged at the official Spain visa centre operated by BLS International in Istanbul or Ankara, where biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are captured. Because Turkey is visa-required, the ETIAS travel authorisation — which launches in late 2026 for visa-exempt nationalities only — does NOT apply to Turkish citizens; they continue to use the standard visa procedure. Since 15 July 2025 the EU applies a more favourable "cascade" rule to bona-fide Turkish travellers residing in Türkiye: a correctly used single-entry visa can lead to a 1-year multiple-entry visa, then 3-year and 5-year visas on subsequent applications. The adult visa fee is EUR 90, plus a BLS service fee; travel medical insurance (min. EUR 30,000 coverage) is mandatory. Plan to apply well ahead — appointments can be scarce and peak-season processing in Türkiye often runs longer than the standard 15 working days.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days in any 180-day period

per entry

Entries

Single, double or multiple (per visa issued)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 90 (adult) + BLS service fee

consular fee only

Processing time

~15 working days (often longer in peak season)

standard track

Validity

Matches trip dates; cascade rule allows 1/3/5-year multi-entry visas

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm purpose and visa type

For tourism, apply for a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa for Spain as your main destination or first point of entry. ETIAS does not apply to Turkish nationals.

· Type C· Tourism

/02

Book an appointment at BLS International

Create an account and book a slot at the official Spain visa centre (BLS) in Istanbul or Ankara according to your residence. Avoid third-party appointment sellers.

· BLS· Istanbul/Ankara

/03

Assemble the required documents

Prepare passport, application form, photo, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, and proof of funds and employment.

· Documents

/04

Pay the visa fee and service fee

Pay the EUR 90 consular fee plus the BLS service fee at the time of application; fees are non-refundable even if refused.

· EUR 90· Non-refundable

/05

Attend the appointment and give biometrics

Submit documents in person and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics are reused for up to 59 months once on file).

· Biometrics

/06

Collect your passport and verify the visa

Track the application, collect the passport, and check the visa sticker dates, entries and 'duration of stay' before travelling.

· Collection· Verify

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

Turkish passport valid 3+ months beyond departure, issued within last 10 years, 2 blank pages

required

Completed and signed Schengen visa application form

required

One recent biometric passport photo (35x45mm, light background)

required

Travel medical insurance, min. EUR 30,000 coverage, valid Schengen-wide

required

Round-trip flight reservation matching travel dates

required

Hotel bookings or accommodation proof for the whole stay

required

Proof of funds (bank statements; approx. EUR 122/day guideline)

required

Proof of employment / leave letter / business registration

recommended

Day-by-day travel itinerary

recommended

Previous Schengen visas (helps under the cascade rule)

optional

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Standard consular fee for applicants 12 and over

Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Children under 6 are exempt

BLS service fee~EUR 30-40External provider handling charge, varies by centre

Travel medical insurance~EUR 20-60Mandatory, min. EUR 30,000 coverage

Total estimateEUR 110 — EUR 190incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

~15 working days

Typical decision time from the biometrics appointment; can extend to 30-45 days in peak season in Türkiye.

Early application window

Up to 6 months before travel

Schengen applications can be lodged up to 6 months ahead (recommended given limited appointment availability).

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Spain is in the Schengen Area

Spain applies the common Schengen visa policy; entry rules are shared with the other Schengen states.

High

/02

Türkiye is not visa-exempt for the EU

Turkish ordinary passport holders are on the EU's visa-required list, so a visa must be obtained before travel.

High

/03

ETIAS does not cover Turkey

ETIAS (launching late 2026) applies only to visa-exempt nationalities; Turkish nationals keep the standard visa procedure.

Medium

/04

Cascade rule improves repeat travel

Since 15 July 2025, bona-fide Turkish travellers can progress to 1-, 3- and 5-year multiple-entry visas.

Medium

/05

90/180 short-stay limit

The Type C visa caps tourist stays at 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across Schengen.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

Türkiye to Spain route verified

Confirmed via EU Home Affairs, EU Travel (ETIAS) and BLS that Turkish ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Type C visa for Spain, are not covered by ETIAS, and benefit from the July 2025 cascade rule. Adult fee EUR 90.

/09 — The questions